African countries are continually seeking to increase the share contribution of manufacturing to GDP which remains rather low at an average of 11.9% as at 2023. This is way below the UNIDO recommended 25% contribution if countries are to transition to middle income. Amongst the factors hindering growth is a lack of requisite industry relevant skills .

I speak with Jane Muigai-Kamphuis the Founder-Director of The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation, a leading social enterprise that transforms Africa’s vulnerable youth through skilling with technology and linkage to jobs. The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation’s sectors of interest include digital jobs, organic farming, the construction sector, and renewable energy. Jane founded The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation in 2014 to address the crisis of youth unemployment in Africa, having noted there existed a profound shortage of skill sets necessary for Africa’s growth. Since then, The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation has grown to become a leading transformer of youth through its innovative skilling approach that brings together public regulators, the private sector, and NGOs/Foundations to create a reliable workforce for current and future jobs.

The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation uses a unique approach that starts with self-esteem through life and employability skills training, then technical skills that are certified by government regulators, and thirdly, offering

linkage with industries for work experience and employment.

I hope this episode inspires young people and parents alike to explore options of skilling in the technical fields that provide a short term transition to employment

We speak with the amazing Mumbi Ndung’u in this episode; Executive Director and co-Founder of the Power Learn Project (PLP). Mumbi, who describes herself as rather curious is on a mission to ensure Africa has the tech talent she needs to build her economies through excellently training a million developers! She tells us why this is so critical and delves into how technology impacts every sector of the economy - this is why skills development at scale in technology is rather urgent as digital transformation continues to shape the now and the future of work!

In this episode, we explore the importance of soft skills also known as human skills in the digital economy and the role of mentorship & work based learning . Am joined by Lorraine Charles co-founder and executive director of Namaal, an organization that supports refugees and other underrepresented communities through skills training, mentorship and remote work placement opportunities.